Friendship and fashion in Netflix series ‘The Fabulous’

CEBU, Philippines — “Ride or die!” is an expression that the four friends in “The Fabulous” – Netflix’s latest Korean series – often exclaim while clinking their glasses of soju or champagne as they console each other after a tough break or cheer on another’s triumph.

In modern parlance, the phrase has come to mean someone who will be there for you no matter what. In this light-hearted fashion drama, “ride or die” not only describes how the squad feel towards each other, it also refers to “taking on challenges for what you like without fear and with passion,” according to its director Kim Jeong-hyeon.

“Ji-eun, Woo-min, Joseph and Seon-ho are friends who met in their early 20’s with an indefinite dream of pure love for fashion. They met when they were young and had not encountered society yet. Then they go out to their respective fields and face reality,” the program’s press notes quote director Kim, who has gone through a wide range of genres from fantasy to exorcism such as “Secret Garden”, “A Gentleman’s Dignity”, “A Korean Odyssey”, “Gu Family Book”, “Hotel Del Luna”, “Legal High” and “At a Distance, Spring is Green.”

“The paths they entered in search of their dream in fashion is not an easy one, but these ‘Ride or die’ friends passionately take on challenges with their pure fondness for fashion along with their initial intent. They have ‘ride or die’ characters embedded in themselves.”

Promising to portray the real face of the fashion industry, “The Fabulous” follows over eight episodes luxury brand marketer Pyo Ji-eun, photographer Ji Woo-min, designer Joseph, and supermodel Ye Seon-ho – best friends in pursuit of their dreams alongside fashion’s elite while juggling demanding jobs, romantic dilemmas and wild nights out. The hyper-realistic series also gives viewers a glimpse at the lives of  stylists, fashion editors, influencers, famous designers, and VIP clients.

“When I received the script, I noticed one thing: It really deviated from the conventional shows. It was simple and edgy,” the director shares during a recent virtual conference. “The four youths are still novices in their careers and they take a stab at the fashion industry that they love so much. It shows their courage and passion as they go at it even if they face challenges. That’s what I wanted to portray.”

Passion for fashion

Not knowing much about the fashion industry before production began, Kim researched by watching documentaries of designers and conducting virtual interviews. But most helpful of all was the show’s creative consultant, Kang Ji-hye, who has worked in the fashion industry for approximately 20 years in many capacities such as assistant of a fashion magazine to creative director. Together with Kang, they endeavoured to replicate not only the glamour of it all, but also those hustling backstage doing the dirty work.

Global experts on design, hair, make-up, and high quality fashion shows were also brought in. In the process, Kim discovered the “passion for the fashion they are pursuing, pride for what is beautiful, and self-confidence” among the industry insiders he talked to – traits he reflected in the main protagonists.

For the show’s high fashion designs, Kim also tapped the winner of fashion survival show “Next in Fashion” (also streaming on Netflix) Minju Kim who prepared more than 150 pieces, including new ones.

“I was a huge fan of ‘Next in Fashion’ and I was amazed that the winner of the show was a Korean. It made me feel very proud. If you watch the show, her collection shows that authentic Korean beauty and just branches out into this glamorous and unique style. Joseph, who is a very passionate designer in the show, shares many elements with Minju Kim. So I asked her to join the show and thankfully, she agreed. In Joseph’s showroom, many of Minju Kim’s pieces are included. And even if we didn’t ask her, she lent us her sketches so that we could use these as props.”

Breaking the ice

His first series with Netflix, Kim described the experience as wonderful. “They gave me a lot of creative freedom and they supported me in all aspects. Usually you’re behind schedule, or sometimes it’s difficult to get all you want – but this time they really supported me so I can have everything my way,” he shares.

During the press conference, “The Fabulous” lead cast Chae Soo-bin, Choi Min-ho, Lee Sang-woon, and Park Hee-jung credited the director for breaking the ice among his “shy and introverted” stars.

“When they first got together, it was so awkward. They couldn’t even look at each other’s eyes,” Kim recalls. “I am not a talkative guy myself so it was very difficult to keep the conversation going with this group. I talked in the honorific form, but I later told them we should just talk in the casual form.”

With Lee Sang-woon making the first move to address his cast mates casually, the group eventually found their groove and were soon thick as thieves – a dynamic mirrored in their portrayals. It’s this precious friendship that Kim hopes will resonate with global viewers.

“As we carry on with our lives, rather than the butterflies in the stomach, we need true friends when we have a rocky relationship of if we have a hard time in our careers. These are moments when having friends who have your back really matters,” he says.

“There is the old saying that if you share happiness, it doubles; if you share pain, it is halved. These four friends have their fair share of hardship in society, but they cheer each other up as they encourage each other to chase their dreams. I think the audience can relate to the passion of the novices, their friendship, and how they are ride-or-dies for each other.”